Don't Skip Giving Blood Just Because It's Summer, Red Cross Says

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The Red Cross must collect 15,000 blood donations daily to meet the needs of patients at 2,700 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.

An empty chair at a blood donation site is more common during the summer months, but to meet the need the American Red Cross needs all blood types year round.

"We're already seeing fewer donors give blood at all our blood drives," said Cara Leyna Noble of the Red Cross, "and this can add up to more than 100,000 fewer donations during the summer."

Summer doesn't stop Angel Truesdell from donating and this time she even brought a friend who is a first-time donor.

"It's fairly painless and you're saving a life and possibly three lives and it's for a great cause," she said. "It's definitely worth it."

"There are patients in hospitals everywhere in your community who need blood and we need all eligible donors to come out," Noble said.

There are a number of blood drives scheduled for the area. There is one Saturday at the American Legion in Adams from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and at the Henderson Fire Department from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

On Sunday, the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park will be holding one from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and there are a number of others planned throughout the summer.

While walks-in are accepted, appointments are encouraged.

To find a blood drive near you or to make an appointment, go to redcrossblood.org or dial 1-800-RED-CROSS.